Movies

One of the most iconic comedy films, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, owes its existence to an unlikely group of musicians.The film, which was a hit with audiences upon release, was made possible thanks to financial contributions from members of Pink Floyd and Elton John.The Monty Python team faced financial difficulties before the Hollywood film's production, making funding for the blockbuster seem unattainable.However, they managed to secure the necessary funds by turning to their friends in the music industry. These friends saw the film not only as a solid business venture but also as an opportunity to invest in the troupe's work.Film studios had declined to support the project, leading to bands like Genesis, Jethro Tull, and Led Zeppelin stepping in to bring the film to the big scre...

Netflix film Steve starring Cillian Murphy and based on the novel by Max Porter is one of the most anticipated new releases of the year.The acclaimed drama film about the headteacher of a school for boys with behavioural issues has finally been released to the streamer today (Friday, 3rd October).Murphy portrays the titular educator, who forms a bond with troubled teen Shy (played by Jay Lycurgo) while also dealing with his own mental health issues.The film has received strong reviews so far, with The Guardian calling Murphy’s performance “outstanding”, while other critics have noted its hard-to-swallow subject matter.Aside from Murphy and his other recognisable co-stars, which include Tracey Ullman and Emily Watson, viewers may be wondering where they’ve seen newcomer Lycurgo before.Th...

Numerous adaptations of the beloved Scooby-Doo franchise have graced both cinema and television screens, but one particular version stands out as the ultimate release.Despite facing criticism upon its initial release, audiences have developed a deep affection for this big-screen gem, declaring it the finest among all Hollywood Scooby-Doo adaptations.The Mystery Incorporated crew have entertained viewers across various platforms for decades, but a project helmed by the filmmaker behind Superman and Guardians of the Galaxy has earned acclaim as the superior version.James Gunn wrote the screenplay for two Scooby-Doo films, with the first instalment hitting cinemas in 2002.The adaptation proved so successful that numerous cast members continued voicing their characters in subsequent franchi...

The Lost Bus, a gripping true story of survival, has just landed on Apple TV+ for subscribers to enjoy over the weekend.Directed by Captain Phillips' Paul Greengrass and penned by Task and Mare of Easttown's Brad Ingelsby, it has already won over audiences following its cinema release in the US last month.The film is based on the remarkable true story of Kevin McKay, a heroic bus driver who battled through the devastating 2018 Camp Fire in California to ensure the safety of 22 children.Joining him were Mary Ludwig, a 50-year-old second-grade teacher, and Abbie Gerspacher-Davis, a 29 year old kindergarten teacher, who did their utmost to comfort the young passengers as they navigated through the deadliest wildfire in California's history.Let's delve into the cast portraying these real-li...

The Lost Bus: Official trailerThe real-life hero who inspired Apple TV+'s new survival film The Lost Bus has embarked on a fresh career path in recent years.Featuring Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera, the gripping drama directed by Paul Greengrass tells the tale of a courageous bus driver who rescued 22 children from a catastrophic California fire.The complete story is detailed in the 2021 book Paradise: One Town's Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire by Lizzie Johnson, which caught the attention of actress Jamie Lee Curtis and prompted her to join the project as a producer.After a limited cinema release in the US, The Lost Bus is now accessible for global audiences to stream on Apple TV+ from today, Friday, 3rd October.But what has become of the actual driver Kevin McKay sin...

Cinema fans across the globe are marking the annual Mean Girls Day this October 3. This legendary date stems from a memorable moment in the 2004 comedy masterpiece, featuring A-list stars Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, and Tina Fey.In a standout sequence, audiences discover protagonist Cady (Lohan) is harbouring romantic feelings for the school's golden boy Aaron Samuels (portrayed by Jonathan Bennett). Cady subsequently recounts one of her earliest interactions with Aaron, declaring: "On October 3rd, he asked me what day it was." While we never see Aaron posing the now-legendary question, the scene depicts Cady replying with "it's October 3rd".This particular date has evolved into a cultural phenomenon since then. For fans eager to participate in the celebrations and r...

Venture miles into Tunisia's orange-red desert and you may stumble upon remnants of the Star Wars prequel sets, frozen in time.While sci-fi enthusiasts might dismiss the divisive prequel films, some will be astonished to find these iconic structures left exposed to the elements, marring the Tunisian skyline.Wooden and fibreglass towers, faux pipes leading nowhere, and yellowed whitewashed walls serve as the only reminders for locals involved in the filming of Star Wars that Hollywood once graced their land.Yet, Taieb Jallouli, the man who constructed the sets, remains optimistic about a Hollywood return. Speaking to The Guardian, he said: "Film companies talk about coming back. Ridley Scott was talking about filming here, Pompeii was due to be filmed here, but there's always something. ...

A Shakespearean adaptation boasting a stellar A-list ensemble is currently available on Apple TV+, following other viewers who have relished a period television series featuring legendary performers and a Charles Dickens adaptation, reports the Mirror.This film debuted in 1993 during the peak period of period and historical adaptations dominating cinema and television, with Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein and Dracula mesmerising audiences.Numerous viewers have lauded this particular production on IMDb, with one individual sharing a 10/10 review entitled: "Shakespeare at his most exhilarating."The reviewer continued: "Comedy or not, this is the best Shakespeare film in years and is a candidate for being the best of all time."They also characterised the film as presenting Shakespeare's ...

Netflix's latest true crime series has been the muse for numerous iconic horror films.Monster: The Ed Gein Story delves into the life of the notorious serial killer and grave robber. Set in the icy expanses of 1950s rural Wisconsin, the anthology series' new season introduces us to Eddie Gein, a seemingly friendly and unassuming recluse residing on a dilapidated farm.However, beneath this facade, he was concealing a house of horrors, fuelled by isolation, psychosis, and an unhealthy obsession with his mother. Gein's twisted crimes gave birth to a new breed of monster that would continue to terrify Hollywood for years to come.A host of classic films and their infamous villains owe their existence to the real-life atrocities committed by Ed Gein. As per the show's synopsis, Ed Gein didn't...

Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson has welcomed rave reviews after his most recent performance marked a change of direction for the action star. The Smashing Machine is a biopic about Mark Kerr, one of the original MMA fighters. It is set in late 1990s America and Japan, among other countries, where different UFC fights would take place. The film focuses on the career of Kerr, who had a tumultuous relationship with his sport, drug addiction and his partner Dawn Staples. Directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems) in his first solo feature, the film delves into Kerr's high highs and devastating lows, portraying his transformation from an undefeated champion into a man spiralling with his personal demons. I have to admit that this film wasn't on my radar until the news broke about it receiving a 15-minu...